Ep. 75: "Booked & Blessed" and then I'm not. What should I do? with Emily Hatch

This week on the podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the brilliant Emily Hatch - a fellow voice coach, singer, songwriter, and the host of the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast. If you’ve ever found yourself in a season of stillness (whether by choice or by circumstance), this conversation is for you.

Let’s be real: the creative path is not always a straight line. Sometimes it’s packed with gigs, projects, and momentum...and sometimes, it’s really, really quiet. Emily and I opened up about what those quieter seasons can teach us, and how to move through them without losing our spark.

When the Hustle Slows Down

As we wrap up Season Two of the Passionate Performer Podcast, I’m pressing pause for a bit. (Don’t worry, I’ll be back!) And it’s a good reminder: sometimes we need the pause, whether it’s caused by burnout, scheduling gaps, or just life doing its thing.

Emily shared so beautifully about how to tell the difference between a normal post-show letdown and a true dry spell. She reminded me, and all of us, that just because things are slower doesn’t mean you are failing. That quiet season might actually be the invitation to reflect, celebrate how far you’ve come, and regroup for what’s next.

Rest Isn’t Laziness

We talked a lot about what rest actually looks like when you’re a creative. Emily gave some great examples: listening to audiobooks, playing music just for fun, giving yourself space to enjoy art without the pressure to produce. I loved this part of our convo, because honestly, it’s so easy to forget that creating joyfully counts even when there’s no gig attached.

Her take on self-talk hit home too. How we speak to ourselves in the waiting matters. Resting doesn’t mean you’re falling behind - it means you’re recharging.

Getting Paid vs. Creating for Joy

Of course, we couldn’t talk about artist life without diving into the tension between art and money. Emily was super honest about singing covers to pay the bills and how she’s learned to make peace with separating her artistry from her job. That balance is something so many of us are figuring out in real time.

We also talked about the magic of networking - not in the gross, cold-email kind of way, but in simply showing up, building relationships, and letting people experience your presence. That’s where the real opportunities grow.

Saying Yes (and When It’s Okay to Say No)

One of my favorite moments was when we talked about choosing the right gigs. Whether you’re just getting started or you've been performing for years, it’s important to check in with your gut: Is this opportunity aligned with where I’m headed?

We both agreed that seasons of rest, uncertainty, or even rejection can actually plant the seeds for deeper growth. You’re not behind. You’re preparing.

Wrapping Up

As I take a little break to regroup before Season Three, I want to leave you with this: wherever you are - hustling, healing, resting, or reinventing - your season has purpose. You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to trust the process. And you don’t have to do it alone. Work on other skills. Try something you've never done before! All of those things prepare you for the next performance opportunity.

If you’re craving support and structure in your creative life, come check out the Passionate Performer Program (CLICK HERE). It’s designed to meet you right where you are as a performing singer, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

You can find Emily on Instagram at @emilysparklechickenhatch, and her work (plus her podcast!) over at http://thegiggingsinger.com.

Thanks so much for being here, and for allowing me to walk this artist road wiith you. Sending you all the courage, clarity, and cool breezes you need this summer.

Canta con amor,

Melissa